Canal Street Chronicles
New Orleans should target speed off the edge, a physical over-the-middle pass catcher, and a spark at a lackluster position.
It’s no secret the New Orleans Saints have several roster needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, but these three areas need immediate attention:
It’s time for New Orleans to add some speed off the edge. With Chase Young set to become a free agent and Cam Jordan getting up there in age, the Saints need to find someone to complement Carl Granderson—someone they can build their future around, because it may not seem like it, but Granderson is already 28 years old.
I understand the hesitation from those who may be wary of taking an edge rusher so early, especially considering the Saints’ past three whiffs in Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner, and Marcus Davenport. However, Marshall Thundering Herd DE Mike Green is an intriguing prospect at pick No. 9, depending on how the rest of the board falls, of course.
The 6’4”, 248-pound pass rusher was absolutely dominant during his two-year college career with the Herd. In 2023, Green posted a 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (12th among 836 edge rushers), recording 6 sacks, 21 hurries, and 3 QB hits on just 183 pass rush snaps. He took his game to another level in 2024, earning a 92.4 overall grade (2nd among 869) with 17 sacks, 32 hurries, 10 hits, and 1 batted pass on 356 pass rush snaps. Despite his 20.1% pass rush win rate and 91.4 pass rush grade this past season, Green wasn’t just a force in the passing game—he also earned a 90.2 run defense grade with a 9.4% run-stop rate.
I’ve been high on Green for quite some time, but his performance during this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl practice last week has all but solidified my confidence in the incoming edge rusher. He proved that speed isn’t the only strength in his game, showcasing his bull rush against former Oregon Ducks OT Josh Conerly Jr. in a set of drills:
The Saints need a guy who can be that over-the-middle, contested catch machine at receiver. Since Michael Thomas’ departure, they’ve been trying to force Chris Olave into that role, which ultimately hasn’t worked out. You get the best out of Olave when you let him do what he does best—burn defenders with his speed and twitchy route running. Additionally, I wouldn’t say that a physical, body-on-the-line play style is ideal for the longevity of his career, especially considering the number of head injuries he’s suffered.
That said, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor has been on my radar ever since his stellar performance against the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023:
The 6’2”, 210-pound wideout was as consistent as they come during his two-year college career:
2023: 63 receptions on 107 targets for 1,022 yards (16.2 per catch) and 6 touchdowns.
2024: 63 receptions (14 contested) on 109 targets for 831...
